Welsh boy name
Idris Name Meaning, Origin & Pronunciation
Idris means ardent lord. From the Welsh udd (lord) and rhis (ardent), meaning ardent lord
Idris is a Welsh name with a legendary side: in tradition Idris Gawr was a giant said to have used the mountain Cadair Idris in Snowdonia as his seat. The name is also used in Arabic-speaking and Muslim cultures, where it refers to a prophet, and the two traditions are quite separate. In Wales the name has been used for centuries, and the actor Idris Elba has brought it to wide attention. It is a strong, easy name to pronounce and spell.
Variants of Idris
Idrys
Well-known people named Idris
Idris Elba.
Idris popularity: Ireland vs the US
In 2025 Idris ranked #642 in Ireland (4 babies) and #694 in the US (391 babies). The two countries rank it at a similar level.
Ireland (boys)United States (boys)
Rank among babies of the same sex, 1 = most popular (log scale). Ranks below #10,000 sit on the bottom edge. Gaps mean fewer than 3 Irish or 5 US babies that year.
Data: US Social Security Administration (public domain) and Central Statistics Office, Ireland (CC BY 4.0). Irish accented spellings (such as Síle) are only recorded from 2018, so earlier years combine spellings.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Idris mean?
Idris means "ardent lord". From the Welsh udd (lord) and rhis (ardent), meaning ardent lord.
How do you pronounce Idris?
Idris is pronounced ID-riss.
What is the origin of Idris?
Idris is of Welsh origin. From the Welsh udd (lord) and rhis (ardent), meaning ardent lord.